Helen "Nena" Roybal

Helen “Nena” Roybal, age 78 of  Ponderosa, NM passed away at her home on November 22, 2021.

Helen was born on March 1, 1943 to David Padilla and Graciana Quintana in Hasty, Colorado. She married Rudy Roybal on December 31, 1982 in Albuquerque, NM. They were married for 35 wonderful years. She worked for Durham Bus Services as a bus driver for Jemez Valley Public Schools for 23 years.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Rudy Roybal; son, Jody Varela; sister, Gloria Ortiz; parents, David Padilla and Graciana Sena; brothers, Tony Padilla, Melecio Padilla, David Padilla Jr. and sister, Adelina Padilla.

Helen is survived by her children, Terry Vigil (George), Andrew Varela (Debra), David Varela, Michael Varela, Trina Varela and Grace Varela.

Grandchildren: Felicia Kurtz (Andrew), Andrea Romero (Steve), Vicente Varela (Jocelyn), Jodi Varela (Zach), Jacob Varela (Alicia), Julie Varela, Kyle Smith, Celina Smith, A.J. Varela, Meghan Herrera, Mariah Herrera, Shane Benavidez (Kristen), Isaiah Varela (Lexie), Elijah Varela, Angelica Varela (Mikey), Leandro Romero and Miquela Romero.

Great Grandchildren: Witten Kurtz, Logan Romero, Jude Varela, Ella Claire Varela, Kai Wright, Lucas Espinoza,  Elliana Espinoza, Baby Varela, Jayda Benavidez, Nazeraya Benavidez, Arabella Benavidez, Ava Benavidez, Trinity Varela, Matthew Baca, Ava Marie Baca, and Josiah Romero; and many more special nieces, nephews, friends, and others who loved her.

She is also survived by Alice Rodriguez (sister) and family, Mel Padilla (Jessica), Gonzalo Varela (father of her children), Holly Varela, Dolores Goodrum and her family, Sonia Lopez, John and Antoinette Loya and family.

She loved to paint retablos, build furniture with Rudy, sing and get together with all her friends. She was a dedicated member to her church and God, loved her family, sang in the choir, loved to sew, was a beautician and loved to travel. She will be missed by many friends and family.

Pallbearers: Andrew Varela, David Varela, Michael Varela, George Vigil, Mel Padilla and Martin Rodriguez.

Honorary Pallbearers: All her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Rosary will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 20, 2021 with a Funeral Mass to follow at 12:00 p.m. at Santo Toribio Church, Eduardo Armento Road in Ponderosa, NM. An Interment will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St. Santa Fe, NM.